Rights Holder: Birmingham Museums Trust
CC License:
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Unique ID: WAW-C07509
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Awaiting validation
Roman to Post Medieval (1st to 19th century) unidentified object: The artefact is a large lead oval ball with a flattened upper and lower edge with multiple, equi-distant six circular iron studs around the side, one iron stud on one flat surface and two on the lower face. The iron is in a stable condition and the lead has a matte light grey/cream coloured surface. It measures 43.69mm diameter, 28.41mm thick and weighs 230g.
A similar object is recorded on the PAS database, SUSS-158547, and the Finds Liaison Officer wrote 'The purpose and age of the object is unclear. Suggestions include a Roman or medieval steelyard weight; although it is more crudely shaped than they usually are and the iron inclusions are not usual; or a mace/cosh with projecting iron pins. Medieval maces were usually of iron and it is unclear how secure an iron attachment loop into a lead ball would be if subjected to pressure while swinging and striking.'
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder
Broad period: UNKNOWN
Period from: ROMAN
Period to: POST MEDIEVAL
Date from: Circa
Date to: Circa AD 1900
Quantity: 1
Thickness: 28.41 mm
Weight: 230 g
Diameter: 43.69 mm
Date(s) of discovery: Monday 22nd April 2013 - Sunday 16th March 2014
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Primary material: Lead
Secondary material: Iron
Manufacture method: Cast
Completeness: Uncertain
4 Figure: SO7453
Four figure Latitude: 52.17463968
Four figure longitude: -2.38161752
1:25K map: SO7453
1:10K map: SO75SW
Grid reference source: From finder
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 10 metre square.
No references cited so far.